Dikhyaa Mohanty 
Fantastic news for travelers on a tight budget! With a new effort that offers sanitary meals and snacks at reasonable pricing, Indian Railways and the Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) are stepping up to serve passengers, especially those in unreserved coaches. A press statement from East Coast Railway (ECoR) states that this program prepares for the summer’s peak passenger volume. Indian Railways acknowledges the difficulties experienced by passengers in general class coaches (unreserved compartments), who do not always have access to affordable and convenient dining options.
The program provides a two-pronged strategy: Cheap Lunches: With prices starting at a reasonable Rs. 20, these meals offer travelers a filling and cost-effective choice. Snack Meals: Rs. 50/-snack meals are also offered for individuals looking for a lighter bite. These meals and water will be conveniently provided at kiosks next to general second class (GS) coaches on platforms to ensure easy access. These counters provide passengers with the option to purchase their drinks directly, saving them from having to look for vendors or leave the station.
Approximately 51 sites successfully piloted his service last year. Building on that success, Railways has enlarged the program considerably; currently, there are approximately 150 counters in all, operating at over 100 stations. The effort is expected to expand in the near future to include additional stations. Passengers can benefit greatly from this program, especially those who are traveling in General Class coaches. Travelers are guaranteed to be comfortable during their trips thanks to the easily accessible, reasonably priced meals and snacks.
Economy meals are served to passengers in ECoR jurisdiction at major railway stations, such as Khurda Road & Palasa in Khurda Road Division; Sambalpur, Titilagarh, Balangir, and Kantabanji in Sambalpur Division; and Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram, & Srikakulam Railway Stations in Waltair Railway Division.
